Leeds foodbank set to go on the road

A foodbank is set to hit the road to help support some of the most vulnerable residents across west Leeds.

More than 4,000 meals have been distributed to people in crisis by the Leeds West Foodbank since it was launched in December.

And now volunteers are hoping to set up a mobile food store to help access centres in Farnley and Armley that don’t have storage facilities.

Wortley-based logistics service provide Torque donated the van to support the foodbank’s vital work in the community.

Lucy Pitkin, project co-ordinator for Leeds West Foodbank, said: “Use of the van will be key to getting food to the areas where people need it most.

“In addition to utilising it to restock our current centres and collect donated food, we will use it as a mobile food store enabling us to access centres in Farnley and Armley that don’t have storage space.

“Leeds West Foodbank is run by volunteers and completely relies on food and financial donations to continue its valuable work in the area.”

The firm has also pledged to support the foodbank over the next year through a series of fundraising initiatives.

Local MP and secretary of state for Work and Pensions, Rachel Reeves, wrote to local businesses to encourage them to support the newly-launched foodbank.

She praised their work in the community and said: “Leeds West Foodbank do an amazing job from their premises in Farsley.

“Thanks to Torque’s incredibly kind donation of a van, Leeds West Foodbank will be able to help more people who are in poverty and cannot afford to feed themselves.”

Stewart Firth, head of operations, Torque, added: “We’re very happy to make a contribution to a local organisation which not only alleviates hunger but also helps to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health issues.”